Takehiro Tomiyasu helped Japan secure a crucial three points in their bid to qualify for the 2022 World Cup – and Arsenal fans have reacted on Twitter.
Japan came into Thursday’s match against Vietnam with just six points from their opening four games. They needed to win to keep the pressure on.
Earlier in the day, Australia and Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 and that gave Japan the chance to close the gap between themselves and the Aussies to a point.
They did just that, with Genk forward Junya Ito scoring the only goal of the game. Clocking up his 27th Japan cap, Tomiyasu as rock solid in defence.
It follows on from Tomiyasu’s early-season form for Arsenal. Joining the club from Bologna for £16m (Athletic), he is yet to lose in an Arsenal shirt.
What are Arsenal fans saying about Tomiyasu, after Japan win?
At the halfway stage of Group B’s 10-game qualification series – two of the six clubs in the table will qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Japan remain in third, behind Australia and Saudi Arabia after five games. But the win has closed the gap, after losses to Saudi Arabia and Oman.
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If Japan end up finishing in third place, there they are now, they will play against the third-placed side from Group A. That is currently Lebanon.
But the win sees Tomiyasu’s form continue to rise. He has played 13 times for club and country this season, winning nine times.
Six of those wins have come in eight Arsenal outings. Three wins and a loss for Japan, and a draw with Atalanta. Arsenal fans praised Tomiyasu.